Right after a crash, work in this order: get everyone safe, call 911 if anyone is hurt or the cars are blocking traffic, and photograph the scene before any vehicle moves. Then swap information with the other driver and call your insurance company to open a claim. Which body shop repairs your car is the one decision that can wait until you're off the road and thinking clearly.
The rest of this is the same advice, slowed down, for when you're sitting on the shoulder of Route 24 with your hands shaking a little. That's normal. Most people do this two or three times in a lifetime, tops, so nobody's an expert at it.
What do I do in the first minute?
Check yourself, then your passengers, then the other car. Look for injuries first, always. If anyone is hurt, call 911, and don't move an injured person unless there's a fire or some other immediate danger.
If the cars are drivable and you're in a live lane, get them onto the shoulder or into a nearby lot. Turn your hazard lights on. A minor fender bender in the middle of I-195 turns into a worse accident fast when traffic starts braking to look. If a car can't move, or you're not sure it should, leave it, get yourself somewhere safe, and wait there instead of standing between the vehicles.
When should I call the police?
Call the police if anyone is injured, if the other driver leaves the scene, or if the damage is more than cosmetic. For a small scrape with no injuries, an officer may not come out, and that's okay. If they do file a report, get the report number before you leave. It makes the insurance call easier later.
What should I photograph before anything moves?
Pictures taken before the cars get pushed to the curb are the ones that actually settle a dispute. Take more than you think you need:
- Both vehicles, wide enough to show how they're sitting relative to each other
- The damage on each car, up close
- The license plates on both cars
- The road, any skid marks, and the signs or signals nearby
- The other driver's insurance card and license
If it's dark or you're on a bad stretch like the approach to the Braga Bridge, get what you can safely reach and skip the rest. No photo is worth climbing around moving traffic.
What information do I exchange with the other driver?
Name, phone number, license plate, and their insurance company and policy number. That's the whole list. You don't need to hash out who was at fault, and you're better off not trying. Be civil, get the details, move on. Fault gets decided by the insurers and the evidence, not by two rattled people on the side of Route 18.
What if the other driver won't give me their information?
Don't argue with them. Photograph their plate and their car, then call the police and let an officer handle it. A plate number plus your photos is usually enough for your insurer to track down the other party.
When and how do I call my insurance company?
Call once you're safe, even from the scene if you're up to it. Opening the claim early starts the clock in your favor, and the details are freshest right then. Have your photos and the other driver's information in front of you.
Now, the part the adjuster may not volunteer: when you call, they may steer you toward a specific "preferred" repair shop. You don't have to use it. In both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the choice of who fixes your car is yours, not the insurer's. The exact rules differ a little between the two states, and we cover that in a separate post, but the right to pick your own shop holds on both sides of the line.
How do I get my car somewhere safe?
If the car is drivable and nothing safety related is damaged (no leaking fluids, tires intact, no warning lights or knocked-out sensors), you can drive it home or straight to a shop. If there's any doubt, get it towed. A car that looks fine can be hiding a bent control arm or a cracked radiator, and a short drive can turn a fixable problem into a bigger one. Not sure who to call for a tow? The shop you're planning to use can usually arrange one. We do that for customers regularly every day.
How do I choose a body shop?
Pick a shop that's certified for your vehicle and that deals with the insurance company directly, so you're not stuck playing middleman between the adjuster and the repair. Two questions are worth asking outright: are they trained on your vehicle, and can they recalibrate your car's safety systems.
That second one matters more than it used to. Newer cars run cameras and radar behind the bumpers and up in the windshield, the hardware behind lane keeping and automatic braking. After a collision, those systems usually need recalibration on dedicated equipment. A shop that can't do it in house has to farm the car out or, worse, skip the step. Fair question to ask anyone you're considering.
Where Carl's Collision fits in
When you're ready, we're easy to reach. Carl's Collision Center runs three shops across the SouthCoast and Newport, all certified, all set up for ADAS recalibration, direct insurance billing, towing help, and an on-site rental so you're not left without a car.
- Fall River: 1591 Bay Street, 508-675-5422
- New Bedford: 550 Orchard Street, 508-994-6608
- Newport: 166 JT Connell Highway, 800-624-4051
Estimates are free. If you'd rather not drive in yet, send photos through the estimate tool and we'll get you a number. No pressure, no obligation. Get yourself home first. The car can wait until tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not say after a car accident?
Skip anything that sounds like admitting fault, even a reflexive "I'm sorry." Stick to the facts when you talk to the other driver and the police, and let the insurers work out who was responsible.
Should I move my car after an accident?
Only if it's drivable and sitting in traffic. Get it to the shoulder or a nearby lot with your hazards on. If it can't move safely, or you're not sure it should, leave it and wait for help.
Do I have to call the police for a minor accident in Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
Not always. Call them if anyone's hurt, the other driver leaves, or the damage is more than cosmetic.
Can I drive my car after a collision?
If there are no leaks, the tires are intact, and no warning lights or sensors are out, usually yes. When in doubt, tow it. Hidden damage like a bent suspension part can turn a short drive into a bigger repair, and insurance policies generally cover the cost of the tow.
How soon should I contact my insurer after a crash?
As soon as you're safe, the same day if you can. Filing early keeps the details fresh and gets your claim moving.
Should I report a minor accident to my insurance company?
Usually yes. Even a small hit can hide damage that surfaces later, and reporting promptly protects you if the other driver changes their story or files first.
Do I have to pay a deductible if the accident wasn't my fault?
It depends on your policy and who's found at fault. If the other driver is clearly responsible, their insurer often covers the repair and you may pay nothing; if you file under your own collision coverage, you'll usually pay your deductible and may get it back if fault is settled in your favor.
Does my insurance company get to pick my repair shop?
No. In both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the choice is yours. An adjuster can suggest a "preferred" shop, but you're free to go elsewhere without losing your coverage or your warranty.
Can I get a rental car while my car is being repaired?
If your policy includes rental coverage, or if the at-fault driver's insurer accepts liability for the accident, you can get a rental vehicle at little or no cost. Even if the insurance won't cover it, you can still get into a rental, and we can help you get a better rate than the retail rates that rental companies offer. We keep a third-party rental on site at our shops, so you can pick one up when you drop the car off.
How long does collision repair take?
Anywhere from a few days for a minor bumper to a few weeks for structural damage. Most of the wait isn't the bodywork itself; it's insurance approval and parts. We break down why in our walkthrough of the collision repair process.
